How to Choose the Best American Fridge Freezers
Show-stopping American fridge freezers can signal the end of having a full fridge and full freezer due to their huge capacities. They typically come with useful features, like frost-free freezers and the ability to freeze quickly, which prevents new food from sticking.
The majority of American models need to be plumbed in and this can limit the space they can be put in. To reduce your energy bills make sure you choose models with high energy efficiency ratings.
Capacity
Fridge freezers are large and provide plenty of space. They can be costly. Depending on your needs you may want to choose a fridge-only model or one that's French door or bottom-freezer style that can provide additional freezer space. Think about the ratio of fridge and freezer space. The doors of the refrigerator and freezer are typically stacked above each other in most American models. The ratio is 70:30. However there are models with a 50/50 ratio if you don't buy lots of frozen food.
If you're looking for a low-cost and spacious fridge freezer this model from Hisense is a great choice. Its reversible doors and sleek minimal design will fit in nearly any kitchen, and it offers lots of storage space for both freezer and fridge. There's even a wine cooler, which is always beneficial for those who love to entertain. Other features include a freezer that doesn't freeze, which avoids the common ache of squeezing ice away, a recessed salad crisper to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh, and LED lighting to help to see what's inside.
This refrigerator can be adapted to your needs thanks to its temperature zones that are flexible. It also comes with the holiday mode which allows you to turn off the refrigerator while keeping the freezer operating. The frost-free model comes with large space, adjustable shelves as well as a spacious salad crisper. The energy efficiency class of A+ indicates that you can expect low running costs.
Style
American fridge freezers are a popular choice on the Mumsnet forums with enthusiastic recommendations for models with clever features and lots of space. They're a big investment though and take up a lot kitchen space, so make sure you're willing to commit prior to purchasing.
American-style refrigerator freezers have two doors and the freezer portion usually being deeper than the fridge section. They therefore have a significantly larger capacity than a standard fridge freezer. They usually come with a variety of innovative technologies, including complete air circulation and fancy fruit and veg drawers that help keep food fresher longer.
Some cameras allow you to see inside without opening the door which is ideal for those moments when you're feeling a little demotivated and you want to check the contents of the fridge prior to your shopping or when you're trying to avoid food waste. LG's sleek RS67A8810B1 has an impressively large glass window that opens into the fridge compartment. This means you are able to knock twice and peep in or use it to prevent the energy-consuming moments of standing in the doorway as you try to find something.
Another sleek option is this Hisense model with a slick stainless steel finish. It's easy to purchase and comes with non-frost design that prevents you from having to chip away the ice every year. It also comes with adjustable shelves and LED lights. It's a bit smaller than some of the other alternatives, but it offers plenty of storage.
Energy efficiency
A fridge freezer is an expensive investment therefore it's worth assessing how much energy it uses. You should look for models that have an energy efficiency rating that is high, which means you'll save money over the long term due to lower operating costs.
Look for fridges that have clever features like cameras built in, which allow you to see what's inside the fridge without opening the door. This is especially useful during the Covid-19 restrictions. They are available in a variety of angles and resolutions, so you can see how fresh your food is or even determine if you need to pick up any more milk on the way to home.
You can also purchase American refrigerator freezers that come with integrated wine coolers. They can store up to 28 bottles of wine and will keep them in perfect condition. They are great if you are a wine lover or have a loved one who enjoys wine.
Automated ice makers remove the need to defrost the freezer in order to make cold drinks. Some come with the option of a manual ice tray which you can fill with water and twist to release the cubes.
Other useful storage options include chiller drawers for meat and fish and adjustable humidity levels which will ensure fruits and salad vegetables remain in good condition. You can also find fridges with reversible doors, so you can open the appliance on either the left or right side, depending on the kitchen setup.
Water dispenser
Refrigerators with water dispensers can be a useful source of chilled crushed ice, filtered or crushed. However, they must be connected to the mains, which could affect where you put the fridge, and may add to the installation costs. You can avoid this by opting for an appliance that does not have one or utilizing a separate water filter jug instead.
Along with additional storage, American fridge freezers often include a range of innovative features that can make your life easier. Some fridge freezers come with digital displays that allow you to determine the temperature by tapping your finger on them. Some have tablets that let you write shopping lists or watch cooking videos.
Other functions that are useful include Total No Frost which removes the frozen ice, so you're not spending as much time mopping and scraping. Certain models also have a speed-freeze setting that improves freezing times to get meat and fish ready quicker but it will also increase the energy consumption.
Choose frydge.uk that has an open balance drawer that is moist as well as a quick-freeze feature. Many models come with flexible zones that can switch from a freezer into a fridge so that you can keep more food for special occasions. There are models with twin cooling systems that keep the freezer compartment separated from the fridge, stopping dry, cool air from drying food and allowing it to stay frozen for longer.